appropriate committees of Congressmeans the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives.
career appointeehas the meaning given that term in section 3132(a) of title 5.
covered individualmeans an individual occupying a position at the Department, but does not include—
covered servicemeans, with respect to an individual subject to a removal for performance or misconduct under section 719 or 7461 of this title or any other provision of law, the period of service beginning on the date that the Secretary determines under such applicable provision that the individual engaged in activity that gave rise to such action and ending on the date that the individual is removed from or leaves a position of employment at the Department prior to the issuance of a final decision with respect to such action.
Department participantmeans an employee of the Veterans Benefits Administration or the Veterans Health Administration who is participating in the fellowship under this section.
employeemeans any employee regardless of the authority under which the employee was hired.
gradehas the meaning given such term in section 7511(a) of title 5.
lump-sum credithas the meaning given such term in section 8331(8) or section 8401(19) of title 5, as the case may be.
misconductincludes neglect of duty, malfeasance, or failure to accept a directed reassignment or to accompany a position in a transfer of function.
open burn pithas the meaning given that term in section 201(c) of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260;
political appointeemeans an individual who is—
private-sector entityincludes an entity operating under a public-private partnership.
private-sector participantmeans an employee of a private-sector entity who is participating in the fellowship under this section.
senior executive positionhas the meaning given such term in section 713(d) of this title.
Senior Executive Service positionhas the meaning given such term in section 3132(a) of title 5.
servicehas the meaning given such term in section 8331(12) or section 8401(26) of title 5, as the case may be.
suspendmeans the placing of an employee, for disciplinary reasons, in a temporary status without duties and pay for a period in excess of 14 days.
whistleblower disclosurehas the meaning given such term in section 323(g) of this title.